The Khan Nagar Puja Pandal in Cuttack has once again enthralled devotees this year with a grand display of 400 kilograms of silver and a 3-kilogram gold crown adorning Maa Durga.
This year, the celebrations carry a unique theme inspired by Operation Sindoor, reflecting the organisers’ tribute to the Indian Armed Forces. Speaking to ANI, Badribishal Sahoo, a member of the Khan Nagar Puja Committee, said the theme was chosen to highlight the strength of India’s military and Air Force during the operation and to symbolically respond to terrorist attacks from Pakistan. “We have shown how their airbases were neutralised by our Armed Forces and Air Force,” he added.
In a special initiative, the pandal has also honoured women in Cuttack. “Not just men, but women are actively participating in the Puja. Each woman who visits the pandal will be gifted a tree under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative,” Sahoo said.
Security arrangements for the festival have been intensified to ensure the safety of devotees and smooth management of crowds. Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh told ANI that around 122 local police platoons, two companies of Central Armed Forces, the Special Tactical Unit, and the Specialised Armed Police Odisha have been deployed. Surveillance will be enhanced using drones, CCTV cameras, and integrated control rooms. “A special anti-terrorist squad will be present, and traffic and crowd density will be closely monitored,” he added.
The grand celebrations coincide with Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Durga Puja, when devotees worship Goddess Mahagauri, the eighth form of Maa Durga. The festival continues to draw thousands of devotees and tourists, combining faith, culture, and artistic grandeur with heightened security measures.
-ANI